Food & Dairy Joint Annual Meeting with Wisconsin DNR
Madison Marriott South
706 John Nolen DriveMadison, WI 53713-1422
United States
Event Details
The WCMA Technology Committee invites all WCMA members to join this unique opportunity to interface with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources staff and members of the Midwest Food Products Association, Thursday, March 12, 2026 at the Marriott South in Madison, WI.
Environmental, water and nutrient issues are in the spotlight at the Food & Dairy Joint Annual Meeting with Wisconsin DNR. This unique meeting pairs regulators and industry professionals in talks designed to advance the technology and regulation of environmental systems in dairy and food. It's a day devoted to collaboration and certified wastewater operators gain continuing education credits while they learn. Join us for a meeting focused on environmental progress!
Agenda At A Glance
- 9:30 a.m. Register and Networking
- 10:00 a.m. Morning Talks
- 12:00 p.m. Lunch
- 1:15 p.m. Afternoon Talks
- 3:00 p.m. Adjourn
Click the blue "Register Now" button above to get engaged in this opportunity!
Agenda
| March 12 | |
| 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM | Register and Network |
| 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM |
Welcome and Introductions
Karen Hyun, Ph.D., Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Nick Novak, President, Midwest Food Products Association John Umhoefer, Executive Director, Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association |
| 10:15 AM - 10:30 AM | Industry Overviews John Umhoefer, WCMA and Nick Novak, MWFPA |
| 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM | Wisconsin DNR Overview Tim Ryan, Field Operations Director, Water Quality, Wisconsin DNR |
| 10:45 AM - 11:15 AM |
Necessary Ingredient: Sustainable Water Supply Strategies for the Food and Dairy Industry
Adam Freihoefer, Water Use Section Manager, Wisconsin DNR Madeline Gotkowitz, Hydrogeologist, Wisconsin DNR |
| 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM |
Status of PFAS Testing and PFAS Legislation
Nate Willis, Wastewater Section Manager, Wisconsin DNR Nick Novak, MWFPA |
| 11:45 AM - 12:00 PM | WQT Clearinghouse Update Chris Murphy, Clearinghouse Manager, Wisconsin Water Quality Trading Clearinghouse LLC |
| 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM | Lunch Break |
| 1:15 PM - 1:45 PM | DNR Wastewater Program Land Application Update Steve Warrner, Statewide Landspreading Site Review Coordinator, Water Quality Bureau, Wisconsin DNR |
| 1:45 PM - 2:15 PM |
A Focus on Chloride Reduction
Zach Watson, Compliance Engineer, and BetsyJo Howe, Wastewater Specialist, Wastewater Division, Wisconsin DNR Tim Sprengel, Project Engineer, The Probst Group |
| 2:15 PM - 2:45 PM |
A Productive Working Relationship with a Municipal Treatment Partner
Ashley Clark, Senior Wastewater Specialist, Wisconsin DNR Erick Driessen, Seymour Plant Manager, Emmi Roth |
| 2:45 PM - 3:00 PM | Closing Q&A |
| 3:00 PM | Adjourn |
For More Information:
Thank you to our generous sponsors!
Interested in connecting with attendees?
Sponsorships of this meeting are available now through March 9, 2026, including complimentary registration and recognition. Don't miss this opportunity to reach new audiences and show your support for the dairy processing industry!
